I need some help from someone with mechanical knowledge

Stingray89 · #1 03-23-2011, 05:25 PM

I have basic mechanical knowledge (changing oil, brakepads etc) but I think this might be out of my skill level. My girlfriend decided it would be a good idea to run into a ditch instead of hitting a cat so now my S-10 is damaged. I need a new grill, new left turn signal and new air guard. Thats an easy fix, but when I went to drive it I noticed it pulled some to the right so I went to get an alignment today. After I got their they told me that the left strut was damaged and both bearings are broke and need to be replaced. Since the bearings are broken it would be pointless to get an alignment (words of the mechanic) because the wheels would just go back out of alignment since the struts are broken, which makes sence.

So my question is should I be worried about fixing this? The wheels don't turn that bad so I could get used to it. But if I do get it fixed I don't feel like forking over the 500 some dollars to get it fixed by the mechanic. I call around to a few different shops and they all quoted around the same dollar figure for this fix. I don't know if I have the skill level to install a strut and bearings. How hard is this for anyone that has ever done it? Thanks for the help and sorry for the long winded post.

IbanezBass69 · #2 03-23-2011, 05:50 PM

Its not too bad a job, but it will be a little more painful without a lift. See if you can find someone nearby with the knowledge who can help you do it, and you should be fine. But you should fix it. Bad alignments/suspension parts can cause uneven tire wear, resulting in unsafe tires, poor fuel economy, and an unpleasant driving experience. Overall, bearings are very easy, and can be done lifting with a jack (set it on jackstands!!!!), but the strut will just be a bit more uncomfortable to do basically sitting as opposed to standing.
In case you are wondering, I do have a degree in Auto Repair from a college.

Stingray89 · #3 03-25-2011, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IbanezBass69

Its not too bad a job, but it will be a little more painful without a lift. See if you can find someone nearby with the knowledge who can help you do it, and you should be fine. But you should fix it. Bad alignments/suspension parts can cause uneven tire wear, resulting in unsafe tires, poor fuel economy, and an unpleasant driving experience. Overall, bearings are very easy, and can be done lifting with a jack (set it on jackstands!!!!), but the strut will just be a bit more uncomfortable to do basically sitting as opposed to standing.
In case you are wondering, I do have a degree in Auto Repair from a college.

Thanks for the advice, I've got some redneck friends with more knowledge about car repairs than me so I'll just invite them over one night when I have the parts. I'll supply the beer to keep the hillbillies happy.

MJ5150 · #4 03-25-2011, 06:12 PM

Beer, hillbillies, car repair. Good luck bro on how that turns out.

-Mike

hover · #5 03-25-2011, 06:14 PM

this for the most part is a safety issue, and for another major part, functionality of the car. Get it fixed. Don't drive it as is. if not for your safety, then for the safety of those sharing the road with you.

hdracer · #6 03-25-2011, 06:25 PM

Jay Ralston · #7 03-25-2011, 08:28 PM

Yes you will need to get your truck repaired first. If you don't, plan o0n buying new tires every few thousand or hundred miles as opposed to 40,000 miles or more depending on the tires you have. Also, have all of your front end stuff checked out because more parts may need to be replaced. Last, check your frame because if it got bent, even if you replace all front end parts needed, you won't be able to properly align your truck. In all honesty, it will probably be a good idea to call your insurance and open up a claim and let professionals do the job. I don't want to sound mean but if there is frame damage, typically it takes an expert to fix it but it also in some cases takes an expert to find it too if the frame is only slightly bent.

Stingray89 · #8 03-25-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Ralston

Yes you will need to get your truck repaired first. If you don't, plan o0n buying new tires every few thousand or hundred miles as opposed to 40,000 miles or more depending on the tires you have. Also, have all of your front end stuff checked out because more parts may need to be replaced. Last, check your frame because if it got bent, even if you replace all front end parts needed, you won't be able to properly align your truck. In all honesty, it will probably be a good idea to call your insurance and open up a claim and let professionals do the job. I don't want to sound mean but if there is frame damage, typically it takes an expert to fix it but it also in some cases takes an expert to find it too if the frame is only slightly bent.

I took it to a professional and had them look over the whole truck and they said nothing was wrong with the frame. As for tires, I just put new ones on a year ago so once I get the parts to fix the bearings and struts I'll go and get it aligned.